Porting a 1911

[MustangO4]

I have been building AK type rifles, made my own parts, have a big drillpress and cross vice, and access to a mill. I am interested in porting my 1911. I am looking at the design on the old springfield V10. Has anyone got some advice, measurements, suggestions etc? Or just talk me out of it and have a "pro" do it?

[Beelzy]

If it was such a good idea, JMB would have thought of it.

[ar15barrels]

I have done that type of porting on other guns, but be careful of porting through the barrel bushing.

Make sure you have a method of measuring the angle of the slide so you set it the same on each side of the slide.
Make sure you have a repeatable stop when you remove and re-clamp the slide for the 2nd slot.
Same things apply to the barrel which you do OUT of the slide.
Measure 3 times, cut once.

[MustangO4]

Thanks for the pointers Randall. How about this style? It looks a lot simpler. What size of port in the barrel do you think would be ideal on this type of setup?

[ar15barrels]

Thanks for the pointers Randall. How about this style? It looks a lot simpler. What size of port in the barrel do you think would be ideal on this type of setup?

I would not go larger than half the bore diameter or you run into shaving problems.
The port through the slide should be about 50% bigger than the port in the barrel.

[PolishMike]

Hey,

I have a 1911 you can test on (random parts thrown together) if you want

[ar15barrels]

I have a 1911 you can test on (random parts thrown together) if you want

Wolf ammo does not have enough pressure to make porting work.
You need to use REAL full power ammo for best effect.

[PolishMike]

Wolf ammo does not have enough pressure to make porting work.
You need to use REAL full power ammo for best effect.

Keep sucking that pole hard. I know you love it.

[team06]

When you start adding ports, you are relieving the gas pressure needed to operate the gun. While it may run, it will not run the same. You may have to run hotter loads, lighter recoil springs, or need to lighten the slide. If you need to lighten the recoil spring, you may need to balance it out with a lighter firing pin (or striker) spring. On a 1911 style you might need to lighten the hammer spring as well.

The ports will add style points and they do work to help force the muzzle to stay flat, but you need to know that you are building a hot rod and tuning may well be needed.

[ar15barrels]

When you start adding ports, you are relieving the gas pressure needed to operate the gun.

1911's are recoil operated, not gas operated.
All the recoil energy is transferred into the slide well before the bullet leaves the barrel.

[MustangO4]

Well here is a first attempt on the "beater" 1911. Figured go small and just 2 first and see what I get. It came with one of the decorative comps but I think I'll stick with the ports only as all those comps do is look cool. Opinions?

[TaxAnnihilator]

Interesting, you had the chance to shoot it yet? If so, what result?

[PolishMike]

****... looks good. Ill trade you for an RPK kit

[MustangO4]

Not yet. I will soon though.

[MustangO4]

****... looks good. Ill trade you for an RPK kit

Maybe when it's built